Take a look inside AMB Issue #167

Issue #167 of AMB is on the shelves - take a look inside!

The latest issue of AMB is here! This issue was such a blast to put together. We got to test a variety of bikes and bits and pieces, but we also got to hear and create stories from around the country and the globe about some of the best places to visit with your bike. Whether you like your mountain biking chilled or full-noise - there's something for you in this issue.

On test in AMB Issue #167

The Orbea Rallon really impressed our tester, Ryan Walsch. And that's probably why it ended up on the cover as well. The rejig of Orbea's enduro and all-mountain bike left Ryan looking for little else - you can see his first look online, or pick up the mag for his full review.

We test the Orbea Rallon M10, the latest update to the enduro model from the Spanish bike brand.

Right at the other end of the spectrum we had the marathon, XC and stage race focused Momsen Vipa Race Two on test. Momsen Bikes are pretty new to Australia, and their range of bikes covers the cross-country and trail end of the market with some highly versatile bikes at competitive prices for the quality of construction.

The Vipa Race Two is a short travel, 29" wheeled full carbon mountain bike, which has an efficient setup and can take two water bottles inside the frame - that's not all that common. Read our first look, and don't miss the review of this bike that's been forged in the melting pot of marathon racing - South Africa.

Last year we tested a Cube Stereo when over watching Crankworx in Rotorua. This year, we tested the e-MTB version. The Bosch CX equipped Cube Stereo Hybrid is a 140mm all-mountain bike, so we sent it west to our tester in the Blue Mountains to see if this e-MTB lived up to expectations.

Beyond bikes, we have our final review of the impressive DT Swiss XMC 1200 wheels, and we had Anna Beck put a super-charged smart trainer to the test. If you're time poor with some big goals - you need to check out the review of the Technogym MyCycling trainer!

We also report back on the Shimano XC5 shoes after 6 months of use, the USWE Patriot backpack with inbuilt spinal protection, Granite Designs mobile stand, Yakima's new High Road roof rack system and the cavernous Dakine Bike Roller Bag.

Endless trails

We have four trail features in Issue #167. We loop through the Noosa Hinterland while uncovering the Noosa Trail Network, and we also put together some suggested itineraries for a visit to Tropical North Queensland.

Down south in Tasmania, we checked out the Blue Derby Pods Ride - a 3-day all-inclusive mountain bike stay right in the forest at Blue Derby. This is luxe eco-tourism at its finest - but all about mountain biking. We dropped past to say hi, eat some cheese and local foods, winer and beer, then ride the trails with co-host Steve. If you love riding, love to escape the city and appreciate great locally sourced food - this is a trip for you.

And if you like your trails higher, wilder and more committing, don't miss our mean trail feature from Steffi Marth, who tackled the trails of Graubuenden with Richie Schley. You can hear about Steffi's impressions of the trip with this interview - but the full story is in our new issue.

Is that it?

No way! We've got a big feature looking back at the National XC Champs and the National DH Champs. So much went on. We saw Junior riders filling the numbers, and epic battles for the senior titles. PLus we spoke to Shane Coppin, CEO of MTBA, about the selection policy for the Commonwealth Games.

Plus we have all the usual suspects, including training advice from Jenni King, a great recipe from Karen Hill, nutrition tips from Zoe Wilson, and a how-to for fitting Cush Core rim protectors via the Summit Cycles workshop.

And the best thing? We want two send you to Switzerland for a dream mountain bike holiday.

That's right, we have a huge prize that one new or renewing subscriber can win. You can enter to win return flights for two, first class rail passes, accommodation in a Bike Hotel in both Zermatt and Grindelwald AND some sweet BMC mountain bikes to use. You can find all the details on our subscription page.